Empress Effects Compressor MKII Silver

From a "Boutique" Compression Pedal (2011) to a MKII Tailored for the Pedalboard

At the launch of the first model in 2011, the idea was already clear: to offer a compression pedal in stompbox format but with settings worthy of a studio compressor, far from the too limited "three-knob" compressors. The Compressor MKII continues this philosophy, going further thanks to feedback from musicians: a format about twice as compact, a more musical Tilt tonal control, and a better-managed sidechain to keep the low end clean, even with aggressive attacks.

Result: a premium pedal, designed to remain simple to adjust daily while offering sufficient precision for demanding players, both live and in recording.

A Compressor for Whom, and in Which Styles?

The Compressor MKII is aimed at guitarists and bassists who want to better control their dynamics without altering the character of their instrument. It suits both intermediate musicians looking for an "always-on" pedal to stabilize their sound and professionals wanting to regain the reflexes of a studio compressor (attack, release, ratios, LED metering).

In funk, it delivers a sharp attack and consistent level for the "chicken picking." In country and blues, it enhances the sustain feel and the uniformity of bends. In rock and metal, the parallel mix and sidechain filter help maintain pick attack impact while avoiding "pumping" on palm mutes. In the studio, it becomes a formidable tool to "anchor" a take, and on stage, it guarantees a constant presence in the mix.

Settings, Modes, and Connectivity: A Decidedly "Studio" Approach

The pedal offers three ratios (2:1 for smooth leveling, 4:1 for more pronounced control, 10:1 approaching limiter behavior). The Attack and Release controls allow fine adjustment of the feel: letting more transients through to keep punch, or smoothing faster for very consistent playing.

The Mix control opens the door to parallel compression: you retain the natural direct signal while adding the density and stability of the compressed signal. The Tone (Tilt EQ centered at 500 Hz) allows brightening or thickening the sound without complex equalization: ideal to adapt compression to a dark guitar or to tame a too-bright bass.

Finally, the sidechain block is particularly complete: a detection high-pass filter (120 Hz or 240 Hz, or off) limits the influence of very low frequencies on compression, and the external sidechain insert via 3.5mm TRS Jack allows going further (processing the detection signal with an EQ, filter, etc.). On stage, the multicolor LED display makes quick and reliable adjustments: you see input level and gain reduction separately, allowing you to adjust "with your eyes" without wasting time.

Sound Signature

The signature of the Compressor MKII is extreme transparency: it tightens dynamics, increases the sustain sensation, and stabilizes the level while respecting the original timbre. The low-end response remains solid, with a bandwidth extending very low, making it particularly relevant on bass (including in low tunings) and on guitars tuned down.

The pedal reacts very well to playing: with subtle settings, you get a discreet "glue" that gives the impression of a better-controlled instrument. With more aggressive settings, it can achieve very tight and modern textures without losing clarity thanks to the HPF sidechain and Mix control. This "pro" approach explains why it is found on many pedalboards, both among players oriented towards clean tones and in heavier rigs, where measurement precision and level stability make the difference.

Technical specifications

Effects	Compressor	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Grey
EQ	Tone

Compression technology	FET	Distortion	less than 0.1 percent
3 ratios	2:1, 4:1, 10:1	Noise	-101 dB
Sidechain high-pass filter	120 Hz / 240 Hz / Off	Headroom	+15 dBu
Multicolor LED display	measures input level and gain reduction on two separate meters	Enclosure	die-cast aluminum
Option to define startup mode	bypass or active (for "always-on" use)	Dimensions (L x W x H, controls included)	approx. 12.2 x 6.6 x 6.35 cm
Input	6.35mm Jack	Height of enclosure only	approx. 3.81 cm
Output	6.35mm Jack	Weight	approx. 0.45 kg
External sidechain insert	Send/Return via 3.5mm TRS Jack	Finishes	sparkling blue or sparkling silver (depending on version)
Power input	2.1mm barrel connector (center negative)	Power supply	not included
Input impedance	1 M?	Required power supply	9V DC (center negative)
Output impedance	2.2 k?	Consumption	approx. 100 mA
Frequency response (at -3 dB)	20 Hz to 20 kHz